Marrakech to Sahara and Imperial Cities in 10 Days

Your Moroccan odyssey begins as you touch down in Marrakech. We’ll greet you at the airport and whisk you away to your traditional riad, a hidden sanctuary within the ancient medina walls. Once settled, let the city’s magnetic pulse draw you to the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Here, you’ll step into a dazzling open-air theater of Moroccan life—a whirlwind of acrobats, storytellers, musicians, and the tantalizing aroma of street food. Your first evening concludes with a welcome dinner, a delicious taste of the adventure to come.

Today, you plunge into the soul of the “Red City.” We’ll unravel its secrets, starting with the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of intricate tilework and sun-dappled courtyards. We’ll admire the iconic Koutoubia Minaret, a silent guardian of the city, before delving into the opulent history of the Saadian Tombs. Then, prepare to get lost in the city’s true heart: the souks. This is a sensory kaleidoscope where the scent of spices, the vibrant hues of textiles, and the rhythm of artisans at work create an unforgettable experience. Our exploration concludes at the serene Majorelle Garden, a tranquil cobalt-blue sanctuary gifted to the city by Yves Saint Laurent.

We leave the city’s hum behind and ascend into the heavens of the High Atlas Mountains. The journey itself is a spectacle as we traverse the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass, a ribbon of road clinging to the mountainside with breathtaking views at every turn. Descending from the peaks, we arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a fortress city that seems to rise organically from the earth. A UNESCO World Heritage site and a silent star of countless films, you’ll explore its timeless, winding alleys before we continue to Ouarzazate, the cinematic gateway to the desert.

Today is a journey through landscapes that tell ancient stories. We begin at the Skoura Oasis, a vast, green ribbon of life dotted with the crumbling grandeur of historic kasbahs. The air grows fragrant as we enter the Valley of Roses, a region famed for its delicate floral bounty. Our path then leads us into the Dades Gorges, a geological wonderland where wind and water have sculpted the rust-red rock into dramatic formations known as the “monkey fingers.” As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the canyon, you’ll settle in for a peaceful night amidst this raw, natural beauty.

The journey culminates today as we surrender to the Sahara. Our first stop is the magnificent Todra Gorge, where you can walk between sheer canyon walls that soar 300 meters high. As we travel onward, the landscape softens and transforms, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rising on the horizon like a dream. In Merzouga, your camel caravan awaits. You’ll embark on a graceful journey into the heart of the desert, timed perfectly to witness the sun dip below the dunes in a blaze of color. Your destination is a secluded Berber camp, a sanctuary of hospitality where a traditional dinner, the beat of drums, and a celestial canopy of stars create a night of pure Saharan magic.

Wake to the profound silence of a desert sunrise, as the first light kisses the dunes and brings the landscape to life. After breakfast, our great northern traverse begins. We journey through the Ziz Valley, a miraculous artery of life where millions of palm trees create a stunning contrast against the arid terrain. We then climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains, a world of cedar forests where you may spot playful Barbary macaques. As evening approaches, we arrive in Fes, leaving the Sahara’s golden sands behind to enter the ancient, intellectual heart of Morocco.

Prepare to step back a thousand years. Today is dedicated to the imperial city of Fes, home to the world’s oldest and most captivating medina. You will dive into a sensory maze where history whispers from every wall. We’ll navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Fes el-Bali, discovering hidden courtyards, historic universities, and the vibrant, pungent heart of the city’s ancient leather craft at the Chouara Tanneries. This is not just a tour; it’s a full immersion into a living, breathing medieval city.

From the imperial grandeur of Fes, we journey to a mountain dream painted in shades of blue. Our scenic drive takes us into the Rif Mountains to the enchanting town of Chefchaouen. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore this photographer’s paradise. Wander through its serene, blue-washed streets where every turn reveals a new, breathtaking composition of blue walls, colorful flowerpots, and serene mountain light. Discover its historic kasbah and simply let the town’s famously tranquil atmosphere wash over you.

Today, the journey pivots towards the cool Atlantic breeze as we head to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. This is a city where imperial history meets modern grace. We’ll explore its most significant landmarks: the majestic Hassan Tower, an eternal monument to ambition; the opulent Mausoleum of Mohammed V; and the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque cliffside fortress painted in white and blue, offering stunning views over the ocean. It’s a perfect blend of royal history and refreshing coastal ambiance.